Zero Trust is a security model that operates on the principle of 'never trust, always verify.' It assumes that every part of your network could be potentially hostile, regardless of whether it is inside or outside the traditional perimeter. This approach is increasingly important as organizations face threats from compromised credentials and insider attacks. By continuously verifying the security state of users, devices, and applications, Zero Trust helps to minimize the risk of breaches and unauthorized access.

Zero Trust addresses several key risks, including the theft of primary account credentials through phishing attacks, the potential for attackers to move laterally within a network once they gain access, and the exploitation of gaps between different security policies. By implementing continuous verification and limiting access based on the principle of least privilege, organizations can better protect sensitive data and critical systems from both external and internal threats.

The three pillars of Zero Trust security are: 1) Zero Trust for the Workforce, which ensures that only authorized users and secure devices can access applications; 2) Zero Trust for Workloads, which focuses on secure access for applications and services interacting with each other; and 3) Zero Trust for the Workplace, which secures all devices connecting to enterprise networks. Each pillar addresses specific risks and implements tailored security measures to enhance overall protection across the organization.